Beats announced today its new wireless earphones at the same time that Apple introduced the iPhone 12 series with no earbuds bundled inside the box. The Beats Flex costs $49.99, and it can be ordered starting today.
The new earphones heavily borrow from the Beats X, unveiled in 2017, in terms of design. Of course, the latest pair now packs some improvements such as support for USB-C charging and longer battery life of up to 12 hours. Beats says a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge can give the earphones 1.5 hours of playback. Additionally, it has better sound quality thanks to its new acoustic driver as well as improved mic performance.
Beats Flex is also billed as the firm"s "most affordable premium wireless earphones to date". Regarding today"s announcement, Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Beats, said:
“I’m excited to announce that Beats is launching its most affordable product ever—packed with incredible audio technology from Apple. This will allow even more music fans around the world to experience the quality sound and design Beats products are known for.”
Beats Flex features a “Flex-Form” cable that rests around the back of your neck. When you"re not wearing them, the earphones will magnetically attach to each other and your music will automatically pause. Playback resumes when you put the earphones back in your ears. It"s powered by Apple"s W1 chip and it automatically pairs with your iPhone or iPad.
The new earphones will ship beginning on October 21. Beats Flex will come in Beats Black, Yuzu Yellow, Smoke Gray, and Flame Blue, with the Beats Black and Yuzu Yellow models available for pre-order from today. The earphones will go on sale via authorized resellers starting on November 20.